That may be a question for some but if you are like me the answer is simple – vintage. There is something very special and magical about old pieces of jewelry. Every time I take a piece into my hands I think about its history and the previous owner. Questions like who was she, what sort of person was she, was she happy was she loved and so on. Sometimes I am lucky to get a piece with at least some provenance and it makes the piece even more special. Behind each piece there is a story. I am particularly touched by Victorian mourning jewelry. I can almost feel the pain behind each piece. Fortunately, jewelry is mostly fun, happiness, romance and celebration.
There is another side to buying vintage. Generally, vintage jewelry is much more beautiful, well designed and executed. The materials used are of high quality and the workmanship is exceptional. No doubt these attributes apply to many modern pieces too. As the old adage goes – beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Don’t get mistaken – there are some poor quality, horrid looking pieces among vintage jewelry too. When you buy vintage always go for the best you can find and afford. Remember, these pieces are an investment. It is not only gold, diamonds, etc that are considered to be the traditional investment. A beautiful necklace of Art Deco Venetian glass will keep on appreciating in value too. In the meantime, you will have fun wearing it.
The most important for us ladies is another attribute of vintage jewelry – individuality. We don’t want to wear anything that dozens and dozens of other women wear. We want to have something unique and rare. Vintage pieces are just that. It would be very difficult to bump into another woman wearing the same necklace, as even simple glass beads can be one of a kind.
It is still possible to buy very nice vintage jewelry at affordable prices but buy smart and go for quality and authenticity. Reproductions are fine in their own rights but they are not true vintage. So happy hunting.
Elizabeth
Vintage and Antique Jewelry
